SAN DIEGO - SEPTEMBER 19: Ryan Mathews of the San Diego Chargers rushes past Justin Durant of the Jacksonville Jaguars during the first quarter at Qualcomm Stadium on September 19, 2010 in San Diego, California. The Chargers won 38-13. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

San Diego Chargers running back Ryan Mathews may be benched due to his penchent of fumbling. In 23 career starts Mathews has 11 fumbles. GM AJ Smith told Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union Tribune that he was “very concerned” and that the fumbles “had to stop” if Mathews was going to continue to be a key part of the Chargers offense.

Smith went on to discuss what happens with a talented player who is unable to hold onto the ball.

“Extremely talented players like Ryan get multiple opportunities to improve,” Smith continued. “What happens to fumblers is, first, they play less. Second, if it continues while they’re playing on a limited basis, then you don’t play for a while and you get to sit and think about it.

“Third, when you get the call to go back on the field and the fumbling continues, then you will be somebody else’s fumbler.”

Last week Mathews returned from a broken clavicle. Mathews ran for 44 yards on 10 attempts during the Chargers game against Atlanta in Week 3. Last year he ran for 1,091 yards in 14 games but committed 5 fumbles.

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